The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has officially opened nominations for the 2026 CHIEF Awards, a program recognizing member organizations that deliver meaningful results and best practices benefiting the wider Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry.

The winners will be celebrated during the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) 2026, taking place November 16–18, 2026, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord's Castle Resort.

Nominations are open through September 25, 2026, with no entry fee.

Six categories highlight industry achievements

CHTA members can submit initiatives across six categories this year, including a new Guest Experience Excellence category designed to recognize efforts to continually improve the traveler journey and respond to changing guest expectations.

The 2026 categories are:

• Environmental Sustainability: initiatives focused on energy and water conservation, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, biodiversity and climate action.
• Sales & Marketing: strategies that strengthen market positioning, generate demand, increase revenue or engagement, or reach new audiences.
• People Development & Support: programs supporting employees through training, leadership development, wellness, recognition and career opportunities.
• Social Responsibility: partnerships and community initiatives creating meaningful benefits beyond the organization itself.
• Tech Transformation: technology applications that improve operations, decision-making, guest engagement or revenue generation, with an emphasis on measurable impact.
• Guest Experience Excellence: the new category recognizes enhancements across any stage of the guest journey, from pre-arrival planning through post-stay engagement.

Results and impact at the heart of the awards

Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of CHTA, said the awards are designed to highlight practical initiatives that are delivering measurable results across the Caribbean hospitality sector.

“Across the Caribbean, our members are finding practical and effective ways to strengthen their businesses, support their people and communities, and create better experiences for their guests,” Ledesma said.

She added that an initiative does not have to be the first of its kind to make an impact. Instead, CHTA wants to recognize what is working and share successful approaches that other organizations across the region can adapt.

An independent panel of industry judges will evaluate submissions according to three weighted criteria: the approach undertaken, results and impact, and the initiative's potential application as a best practice.

Who can enter?

The 2026 CHIEF Awards are open exclusively to CHTA members.

Organizations may submit nominations in multiple categories, although each individual initiative may compete in only one category.

There is no fee to enter, and nominations will remain open until September 25, 2026.

CHIEF 2026 heads to Barbados

CHIEF 2026 will bring together hospitality and tourism professionals in Barbados from November 16–18 for discussions focused on the industry's priorities, opportunities and evolving challenges across the Caribbean.

Registration for CHIEF 2026 is already open to both CHTA members and non-members.

The event will also provide an opportunity for industry professionals to learn from the initiatives recognized through the CHIEF Awards and explore best practices that can be applied across the region.

For complete award criteria, nomination details and event information, visit chtachief.com.